Hey MacInsiders,

I am a social science student taking both psychs, both labour studies, both economics, both anthro and a 6 unit sociology. I originally intended on being a kinesiology student but didn't get into the program ( I did at Brock kind of regretting not going there now). I have a couple issues/questions

I hate math, but my parents are pushing me into economics because they believe it will be the most lucrative in the long run (it does come up frequently amongst the top paying degrees). I love science, I really enjoyed PSYCH 1X03 and ANTHRO 1Z03. I work on the assembly line at Ford in the summer months, so I took both labour studies (figured it was a good choice) incase a management position opens up one day.I am really confused, but I know I'm not the only one. Will majoring in something like psych, anthro, or labour studies really give me the opportunity to access better jobs out of university or am I just kidding myself? After all people do refer to us social science/humanity students as doing "mickey mouse" degrees. I don't have a 'dream job' in mind for the future, I just want to live by my means. I'm unsure if 4 years for a B.A will open these doors.

My marks have not yet been posted so my decisions are not solidified. When is the cut off date for selecting what one wants to major in for level II? Where can I access this? Should I work my ass off and do economics to make my parents happy (they know best) or pursue what I want (don't know what that is yet).

Marooner

Woo, you're definitely in a tough spot right now!

But I think your best bet would be to go talk to an academic counselor or a career specialist as soon as possible. It is their job to help you with these kinds of things and we pay their salaries with our tuition so why not make use of their help right?

I think your best option would be to try and find a happy medium between what your parents want and what you want. Try to find a major that involves both econ and what you want. I'm sure there's programs like that out there...Maybe even a minor in econ will do. Again, the guidance councellor can help you find an option!

Good luck! And hopefully you won't feel so confused afterward

Hi!

You should do what you feel is best for you, seeing as how you're going to be the one bearing the consequences of your decisions. If you're not sure what you want to do, I'd talk to an academic counselor or take career quizzes for ideas. If you're not dead set on a particular career, think about what you want your life to be like in the future and then see which career will best get you there.

Also, if you're doing social sciences, a 4 year B.A. won't get you very far at all. You'd still be able to get a job, but probably not in a field related to your degree. You're going to need at least a Master's if you want to work in a social sciences field. They tend to be about 2 years long, which is not too bad.

Or maybe you should just reapply to a kinesiology program since that was your original plan.

If you have any gut feelings, I'd follow those, but that's just me.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do

Hey Marooner,

In addition to the other posters, I think speaking to an academic advisor and a career counsellor would be immensely helpful. If you chose a route that your parents want, but that you don't feel very passionate about, you won't remain motivated to do your best and school will feel like a chore instead of an enjoyable journey where you learn about the things that you want to.

In the end, your advisors, parents and we cannot decide for you. It's the rest of your life and you need to do what makes you happy while preparing back up plans just in case a less probabilistic dream does not pan out.

Good luck
Bushra

Hey Z, I'm kind of in the same spot as you. I'm in the humanities program because I was rejected from sciences (missed the cutoff by 4%, bummer), but I still really want to do that (I love science too). I agree, a BA in SocSci or Humanities won't get you very far unless graduate studies is appealing (master's, Ph.D, or professionl school).
I did talk to a councellor a while back, he said that the level II applications come out in March-ish (dont quote me on this, though!) so if you still need to work some stuff out there is some time!
I think you should do something that YOU want to do, being pressured isn't going to help you in the long run-I'm brown, people are always pushing me to doctor etc, but at the end of the day it's upto you

Thank you for the advice everyone. I will be dropping in at the academic counselors office tomorrow. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

The resources are available and it's up to us to use them! I had nothing but a satisfying experience. I was able to see a nurse and doctor to check up on my overall health (success), made biweekly appointments with a counselor, and had a meeting with academic advisers (all at no charge). I definitely feel like I have more direction and it was relieving to talk to someone neutral about my feelings. If anyone has any questions on what to do or where to go I'd be glad to help!

your degree doesn't create the opportunities. you do. pursuing what you like and doing well, i believe, will open up more doors than something you're disinterested and do poorly in.